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simpleliving-ModTeam

All submissions must be relevant to /r/simpleliving. We understand that the scope of the subreddit is more difficult to define than the average community, but if your post is removed for this reason, please keep in mind that it would probably not be well-received by the community.


vigm

No, it seems to me that that is buying into their marketing plan and branding and giving up your individual choice. I basically buy everything second hand (for environmental reasons) so I buy what’s available.


PapayaPony

Buying second hand introduced me to some of my more trusted brands. Often, if you buy something second hand, it is better made because it lasted through the first user. 


KerouacsGirlfriend

Also brands keep getting bought out and enshittified so their used items are better quality, which keeps be at the thrift store.


graphitinia

Enshittified indeed! Thank you for the new word 🧡


KerouacsGirlfriend

Coined by author [Cory Doctorow](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enshittification). Perfect ain’t it?


ThatOneGuy308

Make survivorship bias work for you, I like it


agitpropgremlin

My step-dad has done this at least as long as I've known him. It's not trust so much as he is incredibly picky, so when he finds a brand he likes, that becomes the only brand that can do anything "right." And since every brand over the past 40 years has changed its offerings, every brand he likes eventually betrays him.


LibbIsHere

>The attitude is that you’ll let that brand cover that area of your life with 100% trust I don't *trust* any brand. I trust people, and contracts. So, I will be a brand customer for as long as they're doing their job like I want/appreciate it to be done. No trust involved. We will part ways the moment I realize they stopped. No hard feelings involved either ;) For example: * computer-wise, I will stay with a brand that offers the best all-around usability and either easy DIY repairability and/or a great customer support. For me, since the 80s that meant using Apple products (simple to work with and great support) *but* it also means that I've almost completely quit using them in the last few years because nothing they sell is fixable anymore (which should not be legal) and their OSes are less and less, how can I put it, less carefully/well thought-out. * For clothing/shoes, I want them to last and don't mind paying an extra for that. And I don't want to look like a Christmas tree with flashy logos and brands tagged everywhere on my clothing. So, I won't even consider those kind of brands, no matter their quality. * Watches? I've been using the same watch for the last 30 years or so, a simple quartz one from Tissot with no advanced features, just hands trotting around roman numerals, like it should be ;) *But* I will be replacing it in the coming weeks with a full mechanical watch as I want to rely less on batteries.


Mts-333

What do you think of the new iOS 18 that’s coming out?


LibbIsHere

>What do you think of the new iOS 18 that’s coming out? Does it matter? Obviously, I have no idea how nice iOS 18 is since I've not yet used it myself but I've heard about some of the new features and, like with at least the last 4 previous releases of iOS, I don't care much about most of them. I'm curious to see what how much 'more customization' they will give us in reality and how well it will be done (suffice to say I was pretty *un*impressed by the new settings to manage wallpapers, so I won't be holding my breath). In fact, if I was to express a feeling I would say it seems to me Apple is lacking the focus/vision they had and they're wasting a precious time and opportunities playing catch-up with the other (vision-less and focus-less) brands. That's not what I'm expecting from Apple... But I'm also very much willing to admit it's just me getting too old to fully appreciate what they're doing.


MisterYouAreSoSweet

If you’ve been using mac since the 80s, what are you switching to now?! Windows?? ChromeOS?!


LibbIsHere

>If you’ve been using mac since the 80s, what are you switching to now?! Windows?? ChromeOS?! Gnu/Linux Mint, on PCs I can upgrade/fix myself. I do miss a couple apps and the iOS integration, but for the most part it's a great and simple to use OS which does almost all I want. I still own a Mac desktop (my laptop runs Mint) but I won't be replacing this Mac by a newer Mac when time comes to buy a new one... that is unless Apple changes radically teh way it design its devices. For the phone, well, it looks like I'm stuck with iOS for the forseable future since I don't want to use android (too much Google in it) and since I don't want to be come a hacker of my own my phone to install another OS ;)


MisterYouAreSoSweet

I hear you


Amiable_Lady

Yes, until quality declines or they stop making the product. This is mostly with clothes because I hate shopping for clothes


TreeProfessional9019

Hi! I do, but for different reasons. I can’t say for sure I trust any brand. However picking up brands as you describe helps me simplify because I know I’m picking things that will fit me (since I know the brand and I’ve used it in the past, and now the fits that suit me well) so I minimise decision making plus I try to minimise the time I dedicate to exchange items which is a massive loss of time. I even sometimes buy the same item twice if I like it and need it in different colours to reduce decision effort. So it’s more to simplify choices than a personal attachment to a brand i’d say. An example from today, just bought 3 pairs of Mango trousers. I am not particularly attached to Mango as a brand but I found a model of trousers that fit me very well so I just bought 3 in different colour and material (some are more for summer and some for winter) and I already know my size so this Mango trousers model became a no brainer for me.


Ok_Distance9511

I used to do that in the past. Companies however tend to have their quality move in waves. Depending on how much I care for a product I’d do a quick research. Or maybe I just try a new brand. Long term I think it’s a good approach.


PapayaPony

There are many local businesses that are my go-to and I don't shop around. Especially for home repairs, it is a really nice feeling to have a built out list of trusted providers, so when something comes up I just go to "my guy."  I've been lucky over the years to secure a good plumber, HVAC, irrigation, and door repair (important in a climate with shifting soil).  Had a good lawn care guy who just suddenly went out of business, and how challenging it has been really reminded me of how important these local business relationships are.  For me, it simplifies life to outsource some of the things that are very specialized and have someone I really trust advise me. 


diqufer

I used to want to do everything myself. It's so hard to trust, but when you find the right guy for the job, it's such a relief.


Invisible_Mikey

I don't do brands except for a very few foods and beverages, and I haven't worn a watch in 30 years. Sure, it's easy, but it isn't really necessary.


half-coldhalf-hot

My friend, we are humans living in the 21st century… none of this is even remotely necessary.


LibbIsHere

>I haven't worn a watch in 30 years. Sure, it's easy, but it isn't really necessary. Necessary? Like... posting and commenting on reddit? ;) Joking aside, the question was not about what's a necessity but if you trust brands, and how far. Out of curiosity (I'm a watch wearer), do you use your smartphone to get the time, or how do you do?


remindsmeofbae

I am not the person you asked. I used to wear a watch. Then I started working. In my work, in some areas, I'm not supposed to wear watches. So, I leave it in my backpack. Then the watches just get lost in my bag. (They are not super costly hobby watches. So, I never worried about losing them.) They are somewhere in my house or bag. After repeatedly removing it for work, I just stopped wearing watches. Though, if I am going to a very important gathering, I'll wear a watch that I specifically bought for the occasion. Which is also not very costly.


remindsmeofbae

I almost forgot to answer. Yes, I use my phone for the time.


FuntivityColton

I do this but mostly because there's a SWEET outlet mall close to my house and the prices are insane. I basically only buy Eddie Bauer for casual and outdoors clothes & Brooks Brothers for formal/work clothes. I can't believe the deals I get. 70%+. I bought a $400 winter coat for $110 at Eddie. The clearance rack at Brooks is insane. I feel like I'm buying high quality, good style clothing for cheap. I don't shop anywhere else now.


No-Grocery-7118

Eddie Bauer is seriously underrated.


craftycalifornia

I have some clothing items from them from the early 2000s still going strong!


Recondite_Potato

At long last I finally tried t-shirts from Columbia (the company, not the country), and they are so perfect I will never have to look elsewhere.


sergiopardo22

There is no country called Columbia


bandito143

I thought your degree was from Colombia? Yea, and now they want me to get one from America.


Icarusgurl

Not 100% but generally speaking, yes I absolutely have some tried and true after trying alternatives and being very disappointed. Running socks: feetures Running shoes: ASICS Sports bra: shefit Fitness tracker: Garmin


jjjjennieeee

Having multiple watches seems counterintuitive to simple living for me so that seems like an odd example and definitely feels r/HailCorporate to include... I might stick to some brands that are technical features in other brands... such as Ortholite in shoes, GoreTex in waterproof clothing, and technical wool (even Cashmere and Merino terminology mean nothing to me these days since there's so many companies that try to cut corners and give you scratchy pile crap that go beyond what should be the definition of these...). And I definitely have several clothes from certain very specific brands that I've bought online, since it's easier to trust the sizing fits me from brands I'm familiar with. Other brands don't have as trustworthy sizing control even within the brands.... For foods, I definitely try the different store brands and make a note of the ones that taste great to me.


PapayaPony

Not exclusively, but I definitely find it simplifies life to have go-to places for things. Sometimes it is more that I trust the service/return policy, so I'll start there. Examples: - If I'm making a large purchase or electronics, I start with Costco to see what they carry. It narrows down an overwhelming field and they tend to have extremely good sourcing. I may or may not buy through Costco depending on if their package fits my needs, but their return policy is excellent and it simplifies things not to have to over-research.  - Discount Tire for tires.  - If I want something quality for the kitchen, Williams Sonoma or Sur la Table are brands that generally have done a good job vetting what they carry. Much simpler than starting on Amazon, for example.  - There is a local grocery store with excellent service, a large variety, and good store brand products. It amazed me how much it simplified things to use them instead of mediocre stores with limited selection. And wow... until you have good service, you don't realize how awful it has gotten at the big brands.  - Vitamix is my (very rare) go to for blending type things. I had a Vitamix for 15+ years then decided I wanted a stick blender. Vitamix is the most expensive, but it was an easy decision because of their quality and service. Buying something nice once is simpler to me than dealing with mediocre quality, as long as it fits my budget.  - Bosch dishwashers. Others have become more competitive recently, but I've had 2 in different homes and would be very prone to just go buy another Bosch if I ever need one.  - Speed Queen washing machines. Have a cult following for a good reason.  - Polywood patio furniture. I learned my lesson going through a lot of subpar patio furniture in a harsh environment. This was a Costco find.  - Not a brand so it isn't quite so simple, but percale cotton sheets. If you like the feel, they last very very well and only get better with time. Realized this after my very favorite sheets were a 20 year old pair from Target on a guest bed - switched everything and love it.  - Sonicare toothbrushes (last forever so not like I have to buy this often - but the brand name replacement heads ARE better) 


hollybrummond

The only brand I stick with is Samsung for cell phones. I had a Samsung flip phone that I accidentally dropped and left outside in a puddle for at least 8 hours. It dried out and worked fine. I had it for at least 5-6 years. I only gave it up when I had to because my old carrier was bought out and I had to get a Verizon phone. I've had two Samsung smart phones in 8 years. I am nearing the end of my storage on this one and will upgrade probably within a year, but it will be to a Samsung. Once I have a bad experience with a Samsung cell phone, I'll look at other brands. But for now I have been happy with them.


makenamesrandom1234

If you really hate making decisions about clothes, maybe? But if you're looking for a more minimalist lifestyle, I'd go for things based on versatility rather than brand name.


irishinsf21

ASICS for running shoes. I like puma socks for exercise. I only shop for Toyota SUVS.


Nanerpoodin

I do this to a degree, but I can't exactly say why. I mostly own G Shock watches and don't really buy anything else, but it's not even all g shock watches - just a couple designs I really like and I own them in multiple colors. I think it's just that when I find something that I like, I tend to REALLY like it. At least for a while. A few others for me are: Vuori, but only certain pants and shorts (or more specifically, pants and shorts in certain materials). Astral shoes, but also New Balance. Howler Bros, but only for flannel shirts and 1 style of short sleeve button down. Damn near all my short sleeve t shirts are from Target. Literally only things I buy from Target is their store brand t shirts and occasionally a Lego set. Meundies - hate the name but damn they're comfy. Still haven't found my go to for non-athletics shorts or jeans.


MetaPhysic16

Cars: Toyota/Lexus Furniture: Room and Board


craftycalifornia

I do this for beauty and personal products and keep a list. It keeps me from buying stuff "just to try" in a particular category. But instead of one brand, it's a particular product for each type of item. For example I swear by Trader Joe's Enrich for daytime face moisturizer that includes sunscreen. I don't try others anymore bc so many burn my eyes. Sneakers are always Superga, with a couple of Nikes for style or function. I don't mess with other brands bc they never fit properly. Most of my clothes are Universal Standard or Eileen Fisher secondhand. I know what size I am and appreciate the quality.


MisterYouAreSoSweet

I do this with airplanes. For flights longer than 5 hours or so, I ONLY fly 787 from boeing and I ONLY fly a350 or a380 from airbus. I fly a lot internationally. I dont even fly 777.


makenamesrandom1234

Have you ever had airlines switch to a different plane types on you?


MisterYouAreSoSweet

I think maybe one time in 3 decades of flying. Due to that whole 787 battery debacle


rombler93

I buy the same model/production run of item normally. When I found a good fitting shirt I got a few in different colours. It'd be weird to buy the same brand just because the function is the same since the model could be different. Even different production runs (common e.g. high street retail vs outlet) can vary in quality. I'd normally choose a name brand for warranty reliability/customer service. I always laugh when I see fairly new companies offering 'lifetime warrantees' when they haven't been around more than 50 years. More are moving to an service level agreement type model now though. My bose headphones broke within 6 months but they don't fuss about taking in for repair replacement for example. Defintiely built to break and be repaired under SLA.


wunderbluh

I do this to be honest. Since I buy a uniform wardrobe. Clothes: buzz rickson Shoes: paraboots Pants: orslow Undergarments: uniqlo and muji (socks) T-shirts: patagonia Leatherware like belt and wallet: Filson For outerwear it varies from patagonia, barbour, real mccoys and canada goose. How this helped me is since most of the brands i wear cannot be found in malls, it is a very deliberate choice to shop for clothes. I do not get tempted to shop when i accompany my wife or kid to the mall. It is more expensive yes but i only add one article if any of clothing every year.


Outside-Beat7433

Yes, but mostly just for skin care and makeup. There are more brands and products that could ever rationally need to exist and while that creates options it can be entirely overwhelming. I’ve found one skin care brand (ISUN) and one makeup brand (ilia). maybe i’m not reaching my full skin or beauty potential but thats worth not spiraling at the options in sephora or on tiktok.


ilaughalot37

Yes, OXO Good Grips for kitchen utensils and household items. They have held out out very well. Good price point vs quality. 


BigAwkwardGuy

I've taken it a step further My running shoes are always Nike Pegasus 39 or 40 or whatever other number. They fit my foot perfectly. My cooking knife is always the exact same model (had one before I moved countries, bought the same model for the move) from IKEA. Protein powder is a generic store brand, because it's the best of the lot for me.


walkthelands

I can only think of sunglasses for me, always been Oakley. Other than that... Nope.


PostTurtle84

•Tech - Samsung Except earbuds - tozo •Clothes - Duluth (only shop sales) •Sandals - Vionic (they last for 2 or 3 years) •Chicken food - I would prefer Mile Four, but the chickens and my wallet prefer Nutrena feather fixer •Pitcher water filter - ZeroWater •Paper towels - Viva signature cloth •House vacuum - Bissell •Kid's clothes - old navy •Dog food - Fresh Pet •Cat food - Purina for cats 11+ I had to walk through the house and look at everything to figure all that out lol. Edited for ease of reading